Whether flying, driving or ensconced in a hotel room, vigilance is key for solo travelers.
August 01, 2010|By Terry Gardner, Special to the Los Angeles Times
I love traveling solo and exploring destinations to the beat of my own drummer. But being a one-person band has its drawbacks where safety is concerned.
And for the person traveling alone, man or woman, safety should be a top concern — not so much that it keeps you from having a good time but enough to keep you on your toes. Here are some areas to think about.
Airports and airlines
The challenges for the solo traveler begin in earnest at the airport. Just clearing security presents some issues because keeping an eye on your stuff and on your boarding pass and on your shoes, your belt, your jacket, your laptop and on and on may be almost impossible.
Before sending your valuables (wallet, purse or laptop) through the scanner, make sure the person in front of you has cleared security and that the scanner belt is moving so you can greet your valuables on the other side. Place valuables inside your bag, not loose in the bin or a bowl, said Suzanne Treviño, a Transportation Security Administration spokesperson. If TSA wants to take you through secondary screening, ask that your property be moved over with you or kept in clear view.
Buy a lock for your carry-on bag, especially if you put your valuables in the carry-on before you go through security. "Thieves know your most valuable possessions are in your carry-on," says George Hobica, founder of AirfareWatchdog.com, a travel blog for airfare deals.
If you don't have a lock, at least position your bag upside down in the overhead compartment so it can't be easily pilfered if you fall asleep on your flight.
If you're flying business or first class and the flight attendant offers to hang up your jacket, be sure you remove your valuables. Last month, a 47-year-old Air France flight attendant was arrested for allegedly stealing thousands of dollars in cash, traveler's checks, credit cards and jewelry from business-class passengers as they dozed on international flights.
Hotels
Travelers shouldn't make it obvious they're alone, and women must be extra vigilant to avoid imparting too much information.
When you make your reservation, Kevin Coffey, a detective and a travel security expert who founded CorporateTravelSafety.com, suggests using your first initial and last name for additional anonymity.
Hotel front-desk clerks have become savvier in recent years and take steps to keep your room number confidential, but if they aren't cautious enough ... to read more>>
